Business is Blooming
Elida-area family plants seeds for success in organic flower business
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 16

Contact: Kay Studer, 419-231-6089
Susan Studer King, 740-504-6020

ELIDA, OH— It is farmers market season and area consumers will soon be able to satisfy their hunger for
fresh, locally produced food from farmers markets in Lima, Ada and Bluffton, among many others.
Farmers markets across the state have grown in popularity, mirroring the consumer demand for fresh,
locally grown food and farm products. According to the Ohio Department of Agriculture, the state now
has more than 1,000 farmers markets, compared with just 600 that were listed with the department in
2006.
Among the colorful vendors at local farmers markets is Buckeye Blooms, founded by Kay Studer and
Susan Studer King, a mother-daughter duo who sell farm-fresh, locally-produced organic flowers.
Buckeye Blooms grows dozens of seasonal blooms, from dahlias to daisies to asters and zinnias on the
farm where both women spent their childhood. Located southeast of Gomer, the historic 1880's farm is
set back off the road down a picturesque lane shaded by towering maple trees. The farm features many
mature trees, woody ornamentals, grasses and
greenery. In addition, dozens of old fashioned and
unusual flower varieties are used in their unique
bouquets. The family converted a former milking
parlor into their “shabby chic” flower shop and design
studio. The shop is also used for farm flower parties
and other special events.
“It’s a family affair” Studer states. “There is a fair
amount of manual labor involved and everyone in the family helps
Photo by Jason Bowers Photography
out—including our two granddaughters and our Border Collie,
Daisy…although she tends to trample more flowers than she plants.”
The idea of starting an organic flower business came as both women were at a transition point in their
careers. With the closure of the Allen County OSU Extension office in 2009, Kay Studer faced the
elimination of her Horticulture Program Assistant position and her role as the coordinator of the Master
buckeyeblooms@gmail.com

www.buckeyeblooms.com
6301 Watkins Road Elida, Ohio 45807

419-231-6089

–2—
Gardener program and director of the Lima Children’s Garden.
At the same time, her daughter Susan, neared the completion of 26-months of service as a Peace Corps
Volunteer in Ecuador and would be returning to the U.S.
“We kind of combined my mom’s green thumb, with my green ethic,” King stated. “I wanted to grow
everything organically, and I was inspired by the local-foods movement. Plus, I was deeply troubled by
the pollution and human health impacts caused by the rose industry in Ecuador. I knew we could grow
flowers that were fresher, more fragrant and wouldn’t have to travel 2,000 miles to get to the table or
bridal bouquet.”
Buckeye Blooms offers full floral design services for weddings and special events. They also offer what
they call their signature “Flower Farm Parties.” By appointment, small groups may enjoy guided tours of
Buckeye Blooms gardens and flower fields, followed by a short class on the basics of flower arranging
and refreshments. Participants are able to choose their own fresh-cut flowers and create unique handcrafted bouquets to take home with them.
“We’re starting small,” Studer says, “but business is blooming.”
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